Old but gold: Is the Judet procedure still a viable option for posttraumatic knee stiffness in 2024? A comprehensive systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background Posttraumatic extension contracture of the knee (PECK) is common after knee injury. Initial management is conservative to improve the range of motion; if it fails, surgery may be necessary. This systematic review analyses existing literature on Judet quadricepsplasty for PECK. We will assess clinical outcomes, complications, patient satisfaction and factors that may influence its success. Methods A search was conducted on 25 November 2023, adhering to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines. PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were used. Search strings were ([Judet] OR [quadricepsplasty]) AND (knee) AND (stiffness) and ([Judet] OR [quadricepsplasty]) AND (knee). Inclusion criteria: English articles focused on PECK, published between 2003 and 2023, and a minimum follow‐up of 24 months. Exclusion criteria: case reports, alternative techniques, knee stiffness cases not only due to trauma, a sample size of